Your brain can be helped by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester study group. These analysts examined a group of around 2000 participants over a time period of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The unexpected results? Dementia can be slowed by up to 75% by treating loss of hearing.
That is not a small number.
But is it really that surprising? That’s not to take away from the significance of the finding, of course, that sort of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But the information we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is imperative to slowing dementia as you age.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific research can be contradictory and perplexing (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). There are lots of unrelated reasons for this. The bottom line is: this new study is yet further proof that suggests untreated loss of hearing can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In some ways, it’s pretty simple: you need to come see us right away if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And, if you require a hearing aid, you should definitely start using that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Regrettably, not everyone falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works as advertised. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adjust to hearing voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this endeavor go more smoothly, like reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits properly. If you are having this issue, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids look. Nowadays, we have lots of types available which may amaze you. Also, many hearing aid models are designed to be very unobtrusive.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is important to your health and future cognitive faculties. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Quite often the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is a part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to treat your hearing loss especially taking into consideration the new evidence. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to be serious about treatment.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Link?
So what’s the real connection between dementia and hearing loss? Social isolation is the prominent theory but experts are not 100% sure. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that the loss of stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why taking care of hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.